Hidden Gems in Century City

Century City originated as the backlot of 20th Century Fox. With the advent of television representing tough competition for the studio and a budget for the movie Cleopatra spiraling out of control, the studio sold portions of its backlot to Alcoa Inc. and William Zeckendorf with the option to lease 75 acres back.

Welton Becket - who designed landmarks such as the Capitol Records building, Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, and the Cinerama Dome - as well as other architects were hired to develop a masterplan for the brand new commercial and residential city-within-a-city, using aluminum for high rises. The city was designed with pedestrian bridges and wide boulevards to ease crowding. Today, Century City is a center of business and commerce in Los Angeles, so it can be easy to overlook the public places worth visiting. Read on and discover 10 hidden gems in Century City.

Annenberg Space for Photography

Dedicated to the study and celebration of digital and print photography as an art form, The Annenberg Space for Photography is a wonderful 10,000-square-foot destination located on the Avenue of the Stars in the heart of Century City. Many of the works are also focused on the human condition as an expression of the philanthropic work of the Foundation, which is the backbone of the museum. Much of the photography on display is from unseen collections held by other museums.

The Cellar Bar and Grill

With multiple screens dispersed throughout the space, this 45-year-old bar and grill is a great place to catch a game. Daily lunch and dinner specials, as well as a weekday happy hour, are available for regulars and newcomers alike.

Clementine

Clementine is a great neighborhood spot to get fresh, seasonal and local ingredients prime for a Californian breakfast, lunch or dinner. Vegans, vegetarians and others with dietary restrictions will enjoy a menu which is not only inclusive of their needs, but tastes delicious. Don't miss their baked goods section, with award-winning muffins, hot chocolate and more.

The Century City outpost of Tom Colicchio's Craft is a mainstay of American-European classics done to perfection. Its menu is sorted by food groups and their preparations, giving homage to each of the local farms from which ingredients are sourced. Craft is a top choice for neighboring business executives and serious diners alike.

Fox Plaza

Built in 1987, the 35-story Fox Plaza is perhaps best known to action movie fans as the fictional Nakatomi Plaza in the 1988 Bruce Willis movie, Die Hard. But since Fox Studios is the namesake of the neighborhood, it should come as no surprise that the building is the studio’s official headquarters. Ronald Reagan occupied the 34th-floor penthouse for several years after leaving office. In addition to Die Hard, the building has also been featured in Fight Club, Speed, Lethal Weapon 2 and Airheads.

Hinoki & The Bird

This latest Los Angeles venture by the acclaimed chef David Myers is helmed by Kinoki Yagi, a passionate chef who has been part of the Myers team since the early days of Sona. At Hinoki & the Bird, you'll find Asian-inspired dishes that intrigue and delight, with a fantastic cocktail program set against a wide yet beautifully intimate space.

Angel's Envy - Intercontinental Los Angeles Century City

September is National Bourbon Heritage Month, and to celebrate the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City has partnered with Angel’s Envy, through its “Art of Blending” program, to create its own exclusive bourbon blend unavailable anywhere else. Throughout September, the hotel Lobby Lounge is offering pours of its custom blend, as well as the distillery’s highly celebrated Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in port wine barrels and Angel’s Envy Rye, which is finished in hand-selected Caribbean rum casks. Guests can also purchase a bottle of the limited edition InterContinental Los Angeles blend for $65. Executive Chef Jonathan Wood, who helped create the exclusive blend, is offering a special menu of bourbon-paired bites, such as duck confit mac & cheese and bourbon glazed crawfish with dirty rice. Specialty cocktails are also available throughout September, including a barrel-aged Boulevardier.

Angel’s Envy is also running a “Toast the Trees” social media promotion to help combat today’s barrel shortage, as American White Oak is an integral part of the bourbon making experience. Guests are encouraged to upload a photo of an Angel’s Envy cocktail or bottle to social media using the hashtag #AE4TheTrees. Every time the hashtag is used in September, Angel’s Envy will plant one white oak tree to help preserve the future of bourbon (up to $10,000).

While the dining terrace at Westfield Century City mall is not one to be overlooked, you won't find Obicà Mozzarella Bar there. It's also located on the upper level, but adjacent. At Obicà, which means "There it is!" in Italian, Mozzarella di Bufala is flown in every week, so you know you can expect the freshest ingredients whether you order the Caprese Classica with organic heirloom tomatoes, or the Mozzarella in Carrozza to start.

Do you love beer? Then you'll surely find something you like at SmithHouse Tap & Grill, which boasts over 120 taps at the bar and five double-tap, “pour your own” beer booths. Or if you can't decide, get a flight for a few tastes. They're all about the BBQ here, with the Pulled Pork Sammie being their must-get item, as well as their $2 tacos on Tuesdays.

X Bar - Hyatt Regency Century Plaza

At the X Bar in the world-famous Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, you'll find a classy indoor lounge and outdoor patio featuring fire pits and a 15-foot screening wall. Whether you're in the mood to lay in a canopy day bed, sit at the bar, or canoodle in a plush white booth, there's a seating that will suit your fancy in the 700-plus capacity hotel bar.